ZFECHj-^TDZEXiFIEa:!.^. 



INSPECTION 



-OF- 



pardwood^, ^c. 



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Published by 
J. C. WILLIAMS, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
i8Lo. 



Church, 127 S. Third St., Phila. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



(gijjujriwft ma. 

Shelf«i££! 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



PHILADELPHIA. 

7 - — — — 

INSPECTION 01 

Hardwoods, &c 



—SUGGESTIONS TO 

'% 
DEALERS, ( %o 

OWNERS, {V^>&%%. 

AND 

MANUFACTURERS. 



C. WILLIAMS, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



TS 



Copyright 1889. 
By J. C. WILLIAMS, 
All Rights Reserved. 



PREFACE. 

Quite a variety of pertinent as well as prac- 
tical ideas have been advanced, many of which 
have proved to be valuable. A practical idea 
is something that carries along with it a base 
or foundation from which tangible, as well as 
correct, results follow. It is not so much the 
object of the author to tax the mind with the 
number of defects admissible in the various 
dimensions, as it is to show the location, which 
determine value. Therefore, in presenting 
this little book to the public, it is deemed ad- 
visable to set forth in a plain, practical manner 
such rules governing the inspection of Hard- 
woods, &c, as shall meet a long felt want, as 
well as to establish (if possible) a standard 
that will reduce the various methods now in 
use to one common system. 

J. C. WILLIAMS. 
Philadelphia, 1889. 



Care in the Manufacturing of 
Lumber. 

Carelessness on the part of manufacturers of 
lumber, (especially Hardwoods of value), has 
done much toward creating dissatisfaction be- 
tween shippers and buyers; too much care 
cannot be exercised in the manufacturing and 
care of lumber. One eighth of an inch should be 
allowed in all thicknesses of lumber manufac- 
tured from green logs, (this allowance for dry- 
ing and surfacing.) Owners of timber suffer 
no loss by observing this rule; lumber properly 
manufactured not only finds ready sale, but is 
sought after, which necessarily increases its 
value Presuming that necessary pains have 
been exercised in the manufacturing, it is just 
as essential, if indeed full value is to be 
realized, that the following be strictly observed 
in preparing for shipment : To avoid Crooks 
prepare a good solid foundation for its recep- 
tion ; each length should be on its own pile ; 
spaces between strips should not exceed four 
feet ; each strip should be carefully placed, as 



one mislaid strip is liable to crook or damage 
several boards or plank. To prevent checks 
or stain, lumber should be piled as soon as 
sawed, always using dry or seasoned strips 
(which should be of uniform thickness and 
from two to three inches wide), thus preser- 
ving the natural brightness ; seasoned strips 
will absorb sap and thus prevent stain, mould 
or burn, as it is usually termed ; strips should 
project at the ends, thus preventing checks ; 
the moisture thus retained keeps the ends from 
drying too quickly, hence, the importance of 
uniform lengths. Lumber is much better pre- 
served if seasoned under shed. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 

It is not economy on the part of manufac- 
turers or owners of lumber to ship thick culls ; 
any thickness above that of two inches i es- 
pecially Walnut) should be cut into dimen- 
sion stock and shipped as such. The market 
value of 2^, 2*^, 3 and 4-inch plank, com 
mon or culls, will not compensate for the extra 



trouble and expense of carrying in stock until 
dry enough for use, beside being then used or 
cut into dimensions. The above thicknesses for 
shipping (as plank) should be rejects and bet 
ter which are always in fair demand The 
market value of No. I and No 2 Walnut should 
be governed : First, by the percentage of No. 
I's ; Second, by length and width. Short, 
narrow lumber is not so valuable as fair widths 
and standard lengths; 12, 14 and 16 foot 
lengths are most desirable, hence, they should 
be termed standard. If a car contains 8,000 
feet of No. I and No 2 Walnut, there should 
not be more than one-fourth the sum total (in 
feet) 8 and 10 feet long, and not more than 
one-half of one-fourth 8 feet long. If in par- 
cels of lumber, log-run or otherwise, the 
amount of short exceeds the one-fourth and 
the half of one-fourth, (this with reference to 
the grades No. 1 and No 2 only) there should 
be a special price agreed upon : First, so as 
to not destroy standard or uniformity. Second, 
because it decreases value, standard rejects 
should admit of one-third 10 or less feet in 
length, the length admissible governed by the 



width, as per inspection Page 12 The pro- 
portion of short, narrow lumber always gov- 
erning the market value. A defect is anything 
that destroys perfection, carelessness in the 
manufacturing of lumber, sap, knots checks, 
wind-shakes, bark specks, stain, rough, uneven 
ends, lengths and widths. 

REMARKS-INSPECTION. 

The attention of those who are engaged in 
the buying and selling of lumber, is frequently 
called to what is termed Standard Inspec- 
tion, a thing that, in reality, does not exist, 
save in the imagination.* 

A rule (definite) void of merit to govern. 

Those who are directly interested, ad- 
mit that there are not two Counters that 
inspect alike ; it is simply too indefinite to 
give the number of defects admissible without 
some idea of location ; in other words, it is 
purely guesswork, and if not satisfactory there 
remains no legal remedy, as the opinion of one 
offsets that of another. A board may be 



valuable, (though imperfect) for a certain line 
of work, and still be worthless for uses where 
some particular quality is necessary ; therefore, 
it is by no means the prerogative of the inspec- 
tor to consider the various uses in order to de- 
termine quality ; this should be regarded as a 
purely business advantage or disadvantage, 
the adjustment of which should be left en- 
tirely where it belongs ; with the retail dealer 
and consumer of lumber. 

There are two classes of inspectors, the 
Practical and the Surface The Practical 
must necessarily possess a knowledge equal to 
that of the consumer, who estimates value by 
the actual contents of a board or piece of lum- 
ber. Surface inspectors are those who can 
see defects, and count the number of standard 
knots admissible, but have not a practical 
knowledge of where they should be located so 
as to not change or destroy value, as well 
as the possibility of standard or uniform in- 
spection Inspection cannot be uniform un- 
less based solely upon value ; this can be ac - 
complished only by giving cuts of various 



IO 

grades, locating defects in such a manner as 
will establish one right simple mode. 

Inspection — Black Walnut. 

Grade No. i The least dimension ad- 
missible is 10 feet long, and 8 inches wide, or, 
8 feet long, and io -inches wide, which must 
be strictly clear. 8 to io inches wide, 1 2 feet 
long, sap one edge, one inch on face side, 
and not to exceed one-third the length of 
board or plank otherwise clear ; if without 
sap, check one end not to exceed 6 inches. 12 
to 14 inches wide, I 2 to 14 feet long, sap one 
edge one inch on face side, otherwise clear 
If without sap, one standard knot, (a standard 
knot must not exceed in dimensions that 
of a silver half dollar) if within 12 inches of 
the end of the board, in the absence of both 
sap and knot, check one end not to exceed IO 
inches. 14 inches and over wide, 14 feet and 
over long, sap one edge, one inch on face side, 
and one standard* knot ; if within 14 inches of 
the end, otherwise clear, if without sap and 
end knot, one standard knot ; if within 3 inches 



of the edge, in the absence of both sap and knot, 
check both ends not to exceed 6 inches, or 
check one end only, not to exceed 14 inches. 
Defects, such as aie not mentioned, are 
admissible, in the absence of such as are 
mentioned, as per above rule. 

Grade No. 2. The least dimension admis- 
sible is 10 feet long, and 6 inches wide, which 
must be strictly clear. 8 inches wide and 8 feet 
long, must be clear, except very small defect 
on the extreme edge, or end of board or plank; 
as the length and width are considered defects. 
8 to 10 inches wide, 10 to 12 feet long, will 
admit of sap one edge, one inch on face side, 
and one standard knot, if not more than 6 
inches from the end, (see cuts Nos. I and 2.) 
Jf without sap, two standard knots, the one 
being within 6 inches of the end, and thus not 
changing value beyond that of sap ; if with- 
out end knot, check one end, not to exceed 6 
inches. 10 to 12 inches wide, 10 to 12 feet 
long, two standard knots, regardless of loca- 
tion, if otherwise clear ; if nut one knot, sap 
one edge, one inch on face side, if clear of 
knots, check both ends not to exceed 6 inches, 



in addition to sap one edge. 12 to 14 inches 
wide, 12 to 14 feet long, sap one edge as per 
above ; and two standard knots, if one is 
within 1 2 inches of the end. All dimensions 
allowing a sap defect on one edge only, the 
other edge must be without defect. 14 inches 
and over wide, 1 4 feet and over long, sap one 
edge as per above, and three standard knots 
(see cut Nos. 3 and 4 ) If two are within 10 
inches of the end or ends, if but two knots, 
check one end not to exceed 8 inches, in ad- 
dition to sap one edge ; if without sap defect, 
three standard knots regardless of location. 

REJECTS— BLACK WALNUT. 

The least dimension admissible, is 4 to 6 
iuches wide, and 8 to 10 feet long, 4 
inches wide and 8 feet long, must be clear ; 
6 inches wide, 8 and 10 feet long, must be 
clear on face side, except very little sap, 
but will admit of sap on sap side, if it does 
not connect; which would destroy the strength 
of board or plank, and cause it to spring. 6 to 



13 

8 inches wide, 6 to 8 feet long, will admit of 
a small edge or end defect ; otherwise clear. 8 
to io inches wide, io to 12 feet long, sap one 
edge, one inch on face side, and two standard 
knots ; if without sap, check one end not to 
exceed 8 inches, (see cut Nos. 5 and 6.) If 
without knots check both ends not to exceed 
7 inches in addition to sap one edge. 12 to 14 
inches wide, 12 to 14 feet long^ sap one edge 
as per above, and three standard knots, if one 
is not more than 12 inches from the end, the 
remaining two ; regardless of location, if but 
two knots check one end not to exceed 10 
inches, in addition to sap one edge ; if clear 
of knots, sap both edges as per above, check 
one end not to exceed 10 inches. 14 inches 
and over wide, 16 feet and over long, sap one 
edge, one inch on face side, and four standard 
knots ; (see cuts Nos. 7 and 8 ), if two are within 
12 inches of the end of board or plank ; if but 
three knots, check one end not to exceed 10 
inches, if but two knots, check both ends, not 
to exceed 1 o inches ; two knots only, sap both 
edges ; otherwise clear, 



CULLS— BLACK WALNUT. 

Merchantable culls, are boards or plank of 
any dimension, such as cannot be admitted 
with the reject grade, and yet this grade is of 
no less importance to the general trade than 
the better grades, and should be manufactured 
with as much care as that of No. I grade. A 
merchantable cull is any board or plank, properly 
manufactured, from which one-half of its con- 
tents can be used, or cut to advantage. Mill 
culls are such as will not pass as per above 
standard and should be shipped as mill culls. 

LOCATION OF DEFECTS. 

Fig. i. Represents a No. 2 board or plank, 
8 inches wide, 10 feet long, with sap one edge, 
and one standard knot as per inspection. 

Fig. 2. Represents a board or plank 
of the same dimensions, with the same defects 
differently located, which necessarily reduces 
value, equal to one grade lower, hence it is a 
reject, or such as are termed line boards. 



15 

Fig. 3. Represents a No. 2 board or plank, 
14 inches and over wide, 14 feet and over 
long, with sap one edge, and three standard 
knots'; to admit of sap one edge and three 
standard knots in a No 2 board or plank of 
the above dimension, the knots must either be 
on a line or not varying more than the diame- 
ter of a standard knot. 

Fig. 4. Represents the same dimension as 
that of Figure 3 ; this to be a No. 2 board or 
plank, with knots located as they are, must be 
free from sap. 

Fig, 5. Represents a reject board or plank, 
8 inches wide, and 10 feet long with check 
one end, and two standard knots ; as per in- 
spection. 

Fig. 6. Represents a board or plank of the 
same dimensions, as that of Fig. 5, with check 
in one end and two standard knots, but differ- 
ently located, which changes the vahie equal 
to one grade lower, one of the two knots, 
within 8 inches of the end, it would then be 
what is termed a reject, not a line board. 

Fig. 7. Represents a reject board or plank, 
14 inches and over wide, 14 feet and over 



i6 



long, sap one edge, and four standard knots, 
two not to exceed 12 inches from the ends, 
one edge strictly clear of defects, location of 
knots corresponding with that of Fig 3. 

Fig. 8. Represents a board or plank of the 
same dimensions as that of Fig. 7, with sap 
one edge, and four standard knots, the value 
being changed by the location of knots, es. 
pecially the one near the edge of board, which 
would reduce it one grade lower ; knots lo- 
cated as they appear, without sap on the edge, 
Fig. 8 would then be a reject. The above rule 
applies also to the inspection of Cherry, Oak, 
Ash, Chestnut aud Poplar. Sap being a defect 
in certain kinds of lumber destroys value to a 
greater or less extent, why not manufacture 
properly, and thus realize full value ? 



No. i. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. 



No. 5 



No. 6 



No. 7. 



No. 8. 



19 

Remarks — Cherry Boards and 
Plank. 

Since the manufacturers of Cherry lumber 
have forced upon the trade a quality known as 
moulding strips, (clear face 3 to 6 inches wide, 
10 feet and over long) culls have become 
almost worthless. The difference in the 
market value of No. 1 and No. 2 cherry and 
culls, compared with other hardwoods of like 
value, clearly indicate the almost worthlessness 
of the cull grade. There should be no reject 
grade; as all the good culls on the one hand, 
are re-manufactured into moulding strips, and 
on the other, all good or line boards, are liable 
to be put into the reject grade; the result is, that 
the remainder is simply refuse, and scarcely 
worth the cost of shipping, which is certainly 
a disadvantage to both shipper and dealer. 

» 

Inspection — Cherry Boards and 
Plank. 

Grade No. 1. The least dimension admis- 
sible in No. 1 grade, is 8 inches wide and 10 



feet long, which must be clear. 8 to io inches 
wide, io to 12 feet long, sap one edge, not to 
exceed one inch on face side, and not to ex- 
ceed one-third the length of board or plank. 
If without sap, a corresponding defect instead, 
but must not change the value, as per sap 
above, otherwise clear. 5 2 to 14 inches wide, 
12 to 14 feet long, sap one edge, one inch on 
face side ; if without sap, one standard knot, 
if within 12 inches of the end. If without 
sap and knot, check one end not to exceed 8 
inches. 14 inches and over wide, 14 feet and 
over long, sap one edge as per above, one 
standard knot, if within 6 inches of the end ; 
if without sap and knot, check both ends not to 
exceed 6 inches ; if clear, except sap as per 
above, check one end not to exceed 10 inches. 
In the absence of defects above mentioned, 
such as gum specks, stain, burn, wormholes, 
&c, which are incident to cherry, are admissi- 
ble, both as to number and location, but must 
not change the value of boards or plank, as 
per above rule, and thus destroy standard or 
uniformity. 



21 

INSPECTION— CHERRY. 

Grade No. 2 The least dimension admis- 
sible is 7 inches wide, and 10 feet long, which 
must be clear. 8 to 10 inches wide, 8 to 10 feet 
long, will admit of sap one edge, one inch on 
face side; if without sap, one other defect 
equal to that of sap. 8 to 10 inches wide, and 
1 2 to 14 feet long, two standard knots, if one is 
within 2 inches of the edge, or within 12 
inches of the end; otherwise clear, if but 
one knot, check one end not to exceed 10 
inches ; if clear of knots, check both ends if 
not more than 8 inches In the absence of 
one of the above defects, sap one edge, not to 
exceed one -half the length of the board or 
plank, and not to extend more than one inch on 
face side. 12 to 14 inches wide, 12 to 14 feet 
long, sap one edge, one inch on face side, two 
standard knots ; in the absence of one knot, 
check one end if not more than 10 inches; if 
clear of knots, check both ends, not to exceed I :> 
inches; if without knots and checks, sap both 
edges, not to exceed one inch on face side, other- 
wise clear. 14 inches and over wide, 14 feet and 



over long, sap one edge as per above, three 
three standard knots ; if one is located within 
12 inches of the end ; if but two knots, check 
one end not to exceed 1 1 inches, this in addi- 
tion to sap one edge ; if but one knot, sap 
both edges, as per above ; if clear of knots, 
sap both edges, as per above, check one end, 
if not more than 10 inches. Other defects ad- 
missible as per rule governing inspection, see 
No. I Cherry. 

MOULDING STRIP GRADE. 

This grade admits of strips from 3 to 6 
inches wide, 10 feet and over long, clear face) 
which are not admissible into No. 2 grade, and 
will admit of some sap on sap side, but must 
not connect, as it would destroy the strength of 
the board. 

CULLS— CHERRY. 

Merchantable culls are such as cannot be 
admitted into No. 2 or moulding strip grades ; 



23 

and will admit of defects regardless of loca- 
tion. There are merchantable and mill culls ; 
a merchantable cull is any board or plank from 
which one-half its contents can be used or cut 
to advantage ; such as cannot be used thus are 
mill culls and worthless. 

REMARKS. 

White or Red Oak. Standard inspection 
should be based on actual value, hence the 
inspecting of oak lumber would necessarily be 
more riged than that of walnut or cherry. A 
defect in high priced lumber does not diminish 
its value in proportion as a like defect would 
in common or low-priced lumber. Oak lum- 
ber should be carefully manufactured, allow- 
ing one-eighth of an inch in thickness, for dry- 
ing and surfacing, and should be piled as soon 
as sawed, using dry or seasoned strips, and 
thus avoid stain, burn or ??wuld. As oak is 
usually finished plain or antique, the more per- 
fect the finish the more prominent the defects. 
Thin oak culls are worthless and should not 
be shipped, as they destroy in a measure the 
value of stock properly manufactured. 



24 

Inspection of Oak Lumber, — 
" Plain." 

Grade No. I. The least dimension admis- 
sible is 10 feet long, and 8 inches wide, which 
must be clear, io to 12 inches wide, 10 to 12 
feet long, will admit of check in one end not 
to exceed 6 inches ; if without check, and 
otherwise clear, any other defect instead ; but 
must not destroy value beyond that of check. 
12 to 14 inches wide, 1 2 to [4 feet long, check 
both ends not to exceed 6 inches, or corres- 
ponding defect or defects. 14 to 16 inches 
wide, 14 to 16 feet long, check one end not to 
exceed 1 2 inches, or two defects regardless of 
location, but must not change the value of 
board or plank as per one check one end not 
exceeding 12 inches. Over 16 inches wide, and 
over 16 feet long, check both ends,, not to ex- 
ceed 6 inches, or check one end not more than 
14 inches. By admitting the above defects, 
boards and plank must be otherwise clear, 
except sap which is not considered a defect 
when applied to Oak. 

Grade No. 2. (Oak, plain) 6 inches wide 



25 

and 10 feet long is admissible, but must be 
clear. 8 to 10 inches wide, io to 12 feet long 
will admit of one standard knot, regardless of 
location, but, if within 1 2 inches of the end, 
check one end not to exceed ,6 inches, in addi- 
tion to one standard knot. 12 to 14 inches 
wide, 12 to 14 feet long, two standard knots ; 
if one knot is within 1 2 inches of the end, or 
two inches of the edge, check one end. not to 
exceed 6 inches ; if but one knot, check both 
ends not to exceed 8 inches. Over 14 inches 
wide and 14 feet long, three standard knots if 
one is within 20 inches of the end of board or 
plank ; if but two knots, check one end not to 
exceed 8 inches ; if but one knot, check both 
enis not to exceed 10 inches. Defects inci- 
dent to oak lumber, such as stain, wormholes, 
&c, are admissible in the absence of such as 
are above mentioned, but must be located so as 
not to effect or change the value, both as to 
number and location. 

CULL— OAK PLAIN. 

Merchantable cull oak will admit of defects 
regardless of location. A merchantable cull 



26 

is any board or plank, properly manufactured 
from which one-half its contents can be used 
or cut to advantage ; otherwise it is worthless 
except for firewood. 



QUARTERED OAK. 

The market value of figured oak is governed 
by the lengths, widths and quality. There is 
no hardwood lumber that requires the exercise 
of better judgment in the selection of trees or 
logs than that of oak for quartering. The ad- 
ditional labor necessary in the manufacturing, 
is to secure a perfect or satisfactory figure. The 
more perfect the figure, the more valuable the 
lumber; well matured timber should be selected. 
The larger the diameter (if properly manufac- 
tured) the more perfect the figure To secure an 
average width of from 9 to 1 1 inches, it will 
require a diameter of not less than 30 inches. 
Small logs will not turn out satisfactory stock, 
as the figure is scarcely discernable and widths 
undesirable. But suppose the width to be ac- 
ceptable it would not be economy on the part of 



2 7 



the manufacturer or owner of timber, to use small 
logs, as it would necessitate a waste of at least 
one-third the contents of log in order to secure 
a passible figure. Following see cut No I 
which represents what is termed a perfect 
figure- No. 2 imperfect or the result of small 
diameters : 






28 

Figure 3. The end of log and how to cut 
so as to produce a desirable figure, as per cut 
No. 1 . Letter A represents the first position 
of quarter on Head-block ; B, second ; C, 
third. The waste indicated by the wedge 
boards, (4 in number) as per cut No. 3, should 
be cut into half-inch boards, which are not ob- 
jectionable. 

Figure 4. Represents the ordinary way of 
quartering ; the result of which turns out at 
least one-third the contents of log without a 
desirable or merchantable figure, as shown by 
cut No. 2. 

Hence the increase of value more than 
compensates for waste, simply indicated. 

REMARKS— ASH. 

Ash Ltimber. The inspection of ash, like 
that of oak. should be rigid, as it is more sus- 
ceptible to defects, being porous or spongy. 
The same care should be exercised in prepar- 
ing ash for market as that of oak, as it invaria- 
bly receives what is termed " the natural wood 



29 

finish." If not thus finished, lumber of less 
value would be used instead, hence the impor- 
tance of extra care that the natural brightness 
may be retained. Ash should be piled as soon 
as it leaves the saw, always using dry or sea- 
soned strips, and thus preventing stain or 
burn. 

Ash properly manufactured and carefully 
preserved, always finds ready sale. 



INSPECTION— ASH. 

Grade No. i The least dimension admis- 
sible, is 10 feet long and 8 inches wide, which 
must be clear. 8 to io inches wide, io to 12 
feet long will admit of check one end, not to 
exceed 6 inches, or a corresponding defect, but 
m'ist be located so as not to change the value. 
12 to 14 inches wide, 12 to 14 feet long, check 
both ends not to exceed 6 inches, otherwise 
clear. 14 to 16 inches wide, 14 to 16 feet 
long, check both ends not to exceed 8 inches; 
in the absence of checks, other defects instead, 
as per rule governing value. Over 16 inches 



3° 

wide, and over 16 feet long, will admit of de- 
fects corresponding to above lengths and 
widths ; always bearing in mind that an ex- 
treme edge or end defect does not effect value 
as much as if located near the centre. 



INSPECTION— ASH. 

Grade No. 2. The least dimension admis- 
sible is 10 feet long, and 7 inches wide, clear 
face. 8 to 10 inches wide, 10 to 12 feet long, 
will admit of one standard knot ; if without 
knot, check one end not [to exceed 6 inches. 
12 to 14 inches wide, 12 to 14 feet long, two 
standard knots; and check one end if one 
knot is within 12 inches of the end of board 
or plank ; if clear of knots check both ends 
not to exceed 12 inches. 14 inches and over 
wi le, 14 feet and over long, three standard 
knots, if one is within 12 inches of the end, 
or within 2 inches of the edge ; two knots 
only, check one end 1 ot to exceed 1 2 inches ; 
if but one knot, check both ends, not to ex- 
ceed 10 inches. Defects incident to ash lumber, 



not herein mentioned, areadmissible in the ab- 
sence of those mentioned, always observing 
number and location. Sap is not considered a 
defect. 

Cull Ash. See White or Red Oak. 

REMARKS—CHESTNUT. 

The increasing demand for chestnut lumber 
clearly indicates its value. Although propor- 
tionately less valuable than other hardwoods 
(commanding like prices) if not properly 
manufactured, being porous and spongy, would 
naturally limit its use ; chestnut, like other 
hardwoods, is invariably finished plain or an- 
tique, anything that is foreign to the natural 
cast is a defect, such as stain, mould, or burn, 
(as it is usually termed) and cannot be used to 
any better advantage than culls. As to the 
inspection of chestnut, you will observe the 
omission of defects, by name, but number and 
location. Defects governing the inspection of 
chestnut do not vary from that of walnut, 
cherry, oak or ash, viz : lengths, widths, knots, 



32 

checks, stain, wormholes, &c. It is not so 
much the defect as the location of the defect, 
as it is value sought after, due allowance should 
be made, when defects are located either on 
the extreme edge, or end of boards or plank. 

INSPECTION— CHESTNUT. 

Grade No i. The least dimension ad- 
missible is 8 inches wide, 12 feet long, which 
must be clear. 10 to 12 inches wide, 12 to 14 
feet long, one defect, not to exceed in dimen- 
sion that of a standard knot, and not more 
than 8 inches from the end of board or plank. 
12 10 14 inches wide, 14 to 16 feet long will 
admit of one standard defect, as per above, 
but must be within 2 inches of the edge, or 
within 12 inehes of the end. 14 inches and 
over wide, 14 feet and over long, in addition 
to one defect, on edge or end, as per above, 
one other defect, if not more than 10 inches 
from the end. 

Chestnut No. 2. 6 to 8 inches wide, 1 2 feet 
long, is admissible, and will admit of one very 
small defect on the extreme edge or end of 



33 

board or plank. 8 to 10 inches wide, 10 to 12 
feet long, will admit of two standard defects 
if one is within 10 inches of the end; if but 
one defect, the other maybe increased to twice 
the dimension of a standard knot, regardless 
of location. 12 to 14 inches wide, 12 to 14 
feet long, will admit of three defects (standard 
in size) if one is within 1 2 inches of the end; 
in the absence of one or more, the dimension 
of the remaining ones, may be increased pro- 
portionately as per above rule 14 inches and 
Qvtr wide, 14 feet and over long, four stand- 
ard defects, two of which must be within 12 
inches of the ends, or within 2 inches of the 
edge, one edge cnly. All defects are admissi- 
ble, but must be governed by the standard, as 
to number and location, and thus av< id chang- 
ing the value. 



CHESTNUT CULLS. 

Cull chestnut will admit of defects regard- 
less of location. A merchantable cull is any 
board or plank from which one half its con- 



34 

tents can be' used to advantage ; such as can- 
not be thus used are mill culls and worthless. 



REMARKS— POPLAR. 



Poplar boards and plank must be inspected 
on the poorest side ; a standard knot is to be 
considered as not exceeding the dimension ad- 
missible in walnut, &c , and must be solid ; all 
lumber must be sawed so that it will be the 
required thickness when seasoned ; checks are 
considered defects, and will reduce a piece to 
one grade lower, if it extends more than 10 
inches one end only; all lumber must be 
sawed square edged. Boards and plank hav- 
ing bark and wane must be reduced one grade, 
and measured inside the bark cr wane, one 
inch, or less in thickness shall be measured 
face measure. All boards or plank badly 
manufactured shall be reduced one grade ; 
standard lengths are 12, 1 4 and 1 6 feet. Length 
and width as well as quality governs the mar- 
ket value of poplar. 



35 
INSPECTION— POPLAR. 

Grade No. i. I inch to 2 inches in thick- 
ness ; the least dimension admissible is 8 
inches wide and 12 feet long, 8 to 10 inches 
wide, 1 2 feet long, must be clear. 11 to 1 3 
inches, I inch of bright sap, will be allowed. 
14 and 15 inches wide, 2 inches of bright sap 
will be allowed. 1 6 inches and over wide, 3 
inches of bright sap will be allowed ; one edge 
only, less than 1 2 feet long cannot be admitted 
into No. 1 grade. 

Grade No. 2. 7 inches wide and 10 feet 
long, must be clear. 8 to 10 inches wide, 12 
feet and over long, will admit of one inch of 
bright sap, otherwise clear. 1 1 to 13 inches 
wide, 2 inches of bright sap ; if without sap, 
one standard knot, 14 to 15 inches wide, 3 
inches of bright sap, and one standard knot ; 
or two standard knots, if without sap. 16 
inches and over wide, 4 inches of bright sap, 3 
standard knots, if one is within 1 2 inches of 
the end ; 2]/ z inch, 3 inch and 4 inch Nos I 
and 2 must be 10 inches, and over wide. 
Quality governed by the above rule of inspection 



36 

POPLAR SQUARES. 

Poplar squares, 4 x 4 to 10 x 10 should cor- 
respond in quality to that of N'o 1 grade, at 
least free of heart and unsound knots. 

POPLAR CULLS. 

Merchantable cull poplar are boards and 
plank of any dimension such as cannot be ad- 
mitted into No 2 grade. This grade will 
admit of defects regardless of location ; but 
must possess a value equal to one-half the 
contents of board or plank ; if not, it is a mill 
cull, and without value as lumber. 

POPLAR STRIPS. 

Poplar strips, 4 to 6 inches wide, must be 
clear face, and not less than 1 2 feet long. 

DIMENSION STOCK. 

The question as to why dimension stock 
does not command better prices is one of the 



37 

oft-repeated. To answer this question prop- 
erly, would be to say that the majority of 
those engaged in the manufacturing of lumber 
in a regular way, cut the refuse into such 
stock, seemingly with but little knowledge as 
to what is actually required, or constitutes 
merchantable dimensions for turning purposes; 
such stock should be manufactured from trees 
well matured, and thus avoid crook or spring; 
young sappy trees, limbs or slabs will. not fur- 
nish satisfactory stock unless cut into very 
short (merchantable) lengths; and must be 
free from burl, crook and cross-grain ; walnut 
and cherry dimensions must be free from de- 
fects ; ash, oak and poplar clear, except sap, 
which is not considered a defect when applied 
to dimension stock ; the latter only with refer- 
ence to boards and plank. Both large and 
small dimensions with heart in centre, or else- 
where, are worthless for turning purposes, as 
they are sure to check. It is merchantable 
stock only that commands satisfactory prices. 
Culls are worthless unless due allowance is 
made so as to enable purchaser to re-manufac- 
ture, both in length and thickness ; if by so 



3S 

doing, merchantable stock can be obtained 
this at the expense of the shipper. 

TABLE i. 

DIMENSIONS REDUCED TO INCH BOARD 
MEASURE. 

To find the number of feet (board measure) 
find the length (in inches) in the left hand 
column, 3the face or side dimensions in inches 
will be found at the head of each column, 
multiply the number of pieces by the numera- 
tor, (which is above the line) divide the result 
by the denominator which is below the line; 
the result will be the correct number of feet, 
bo#rd measure. For example, suppose there 
to be ioo pieces, 12 inches long and 2 by 2 
face, or side dimensions ; by reference to the 
table you will find that one piece contains -^ 
of a foot; 100 pieces multiplied by 4, the num- 
erator, (which is above the line) gives the 
sum of 400, this sum divided by 12, the de- 
nominator, (which is below the line) shows 
that 100 pieces contain 33 i/j feet, inch board 



39 

measure Such as are marked thus * are the 
proper lengths for Phila. market ; other lengths 
are irregular and seldom called for. 

WALNUT, ASH AND OAK. 

Newel Posts : 4 x 4 to 9 x 9. Standard 
length 4 feet or the multiple of 4, which is 8, 
12, or 16 feet. 

Balusters : 2 x ?, 2^ and 2)/ 2 , if cut for 
for Philadelphia market. There should be in 
each thousand pieces 750 '36 inches long, and 
250 32 inches long. 

Table Legs : 3x3; 29 inches long. As to 
what constitutes merchantable dimensions, see 
page 36. 



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WEIGHT OF HARDWOODS. 

The following list, giving the weight of 
hardwoods, per foot, board measure, can be re- 
lied on by shippers of lumber; notwithstand- 
ing that the same species of wood differs some 
little in weight, both green and dry. 





GREEN. 


DRY. 




Lbs. to i 


Lbs. to i 




foot. 


loot. 


Walnut, - / - 


- AYz 


3X 


Cherry, - 


■ 4 


3X 


Ash, 


- - AY* 


zV* 


Mahogany, 


- - 5X 


4H 


Oak, 


- 5 


A l A 


Chestnut 


- 4 


3 


Apple, 


5 


4 


Birch. 


- - 4X 


3Vz 


Cottonwood, 


- AVz 


3 


Cypress, 


- 4 


W 


Cedar, 


- 4 


3 


Elm, 


- 4 


3 


Hickory, 


- 5 


4% 


Maple, 


- 5 


4X 


Poplar, 


- 3% 


*x 


Sycamore, 


• 5 


4 


Beech, 


- 5 


4X 


Rosewood, 


- 8 


W 


Holly, - 


S% 


AYz 



IMPORTANT TO SHIPPERS. 



To misrepresent does not increase value, but 
in almost every instance works injury to both 
shipper and receiver. State plainly and un- 
equivocally what you have ; how long it has 
been on strips, if log run, or certain grades or 
grade ; the average width, the proportion of 
lengths under 12 feet; also the proportion of 
different thicknesses ; and thus save time, 
trouble and money. 



INDEX 

Page 

Care in the Manufacturing of Lumber. 5 

Culls— Black Walnut 14 

Culls Cherry 22 

Cull— Oak Plain 25 

Chestnut Culls 33 

Dimension Stock 36 

Dimension — Board Measure 40 

General Remarks 6 

Inspection —Black Walnut 10 

Inspection — Cherry Boards and Plank 19 

Inspection — Cherry 21 

Inspection of Oak Lumber — " Plain." 24 

Inspection — Ash. 29-30 

Inspection Chestnut 32 

Inspection — Poplar 35 

Important to Shippers 43 

Location of Defects 14 

Moulding Strip Grade 22 

Poplar Squares 36 

Poplar Culls 36 

Poplar Strips 36 

Quartered Oak 26 

Remarks Inspection 8 

Rejects — Black Walnut T2 

Remarks — Cherry Boards and Plank 19 

Remarks — White or Red Oak 23 

Remarks— Ash 28 

Remarks — Chestnut 31 

Remarks — Poplar 34 

Table 1 38 

Walnut, Ash and Oak 39 

Weight of Hardwoods 42 

Copies will be forwarded to any address, upon 
receipt of price. 

J. C. WILLIAMS, 

1147 Beach Street, Philadelphia. 



PPJCB, « 35 ets pen Copy. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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017 111 035 fl 



